Thursday 28 June 2018

Walks: Sat. June 30 to Wed. July 4

Last Saturday, I was giving a talk in a beautiful garden – in the pouring rain.
This Saturday, what will the weather bring?!
Friends, given the extreme-heat warning for the long weekend, it will be especially important for us to check in before our walk on Saturday. If the weather is reasonable, I suggest a short walk in the most breezy location – either the boardwalk or the spit, depending which way the wind blows. Another option is to do what we did during the extreme cold this winter – head downtown to walk the air-conditioned PATH. Keep these options in mind when you sign in.

Race and training news from Libby:

The only training distance this week is 10K for Lynne (and any other's considering the Maritime weekend). Distances of 6 and 8K during the week.

A new local race to consider…

Shakespeare Runs the Night on August 25 replaces the Midsummer's Night Race. The race is capped at 1000 entrants so hurry with your decision to register. Distances are 15 and 30K with a 15K walking division!!  Many from WOW are interested so do sign up soon. Link is on the blog and https://raceroster.com/events/2018/18831/shakespeare-runs-the-night.
6pm start from Woodbine Beach. Costumes are a must!!!

Reminder - Please let Libby know of any races you sign up for!!

That's it from me (Helen) as I take over the blog for our globetrotter, Susan. Please send me your news and pictures, or you might have to put up with flowers in every post!

Sending good thoughts to all of you, at home and abroad. Thanks for your get-well wishes. My broken arm (a hairline fracture) is on the mend. It only hurts when I do that (ouch!).

Special healing vibes go out to Nishe's partner Nigel. We're thinking of you both.

'Garden Delight' rose from the new rose garden at the RBG (see the writeup on my blog)

Wednesday 20 June 2018

Walks - Saturday June 23 - Wednesday June 27

Git'r Done - Midnight Sun Rain Half Marathon - Tromso Norway
Congratulations Arlene & Libby
Inspiration plus - way to go - well done!

Join us on Saturday at Tim's at 800 a.m. for whatever distance suits you....6, 8, 10??? Coffee with friends is your reward. For anyone thinking about the Halifax half, your training starts next week.

Sunday walkers meet at the Running Room on Queen St. at 8:30 am.
Daytime walkers coordinate through Charlotte or Lou Ann.
Evening walks are at 6:30 pm, Monday (Loblaws) and Wednesday (Occasions).
Walk slow; walk fast; walk long; walk short - just get out and do it.

Join in; sign in - love to see you walking the streets - did that sound right?

Announcements & Updates: from Libby & Arlene - Norway race - Midnight Sun is a myth! We did 21.1k in the Arctic Rain. We had rain and strong winds plus hills..really just inclines according to those from Norway! We were pleased with our time of 2:58 and we were the only walkers in the race..and close to oldest competitors. This is a race of strong young competitors by in large. It is really well supported by the locals, even at 1:30in the morning. Despite the weather, it was a fun race. Making  those of us at home so proud!

from Norma: Grouse Mountain - the ultimate in hill training – a 3km vertical trail with an elevation gain of 2800 feet.  Some Vancouverites do it every morning as part of their daily fitness routine. It is the second time David and I have hiked up the mountain.  The first time was 20 years ago. Thrilled that we can still do it!  The Grouse Grind, another trail, is known as Nature’s Stairmaster! Way to go, Norma and David!  I've seen that climb but never had the courage to try it.

from Olwyn:  Santa Claus Parade; I’ve just signed up for this year’s parade which is on Sunday November 18. Consider joining the fun; it’s a 6k walk, but a slow one; but it makes thousands of people and kids happy, so what’s not to love?  I’ve had the pleasure of being a big blue fuzzy bunny-rabbit, a snowman, a Snow Queen, and one year I got to walk beside Santa Claus as a Santa Guard!  Last year I had to cancel at the last minute, as I was invited to a friend’s wedding which was on parade day, so I missed out being a chicken….maybe this year I’ll get lucky! (When Olwyn talks about getting lucky, .... yikes - where is this going?)

David on Grouse

Helen - we hope your arm is healing and not too sore - hope to see you out again soon. 

I am signing off for a few weeks and Helen (or delegate) is taking over the blog while I'm away - thanks Helen. The hikers (Dianne, Ruth and Susan) are going to put our hiking hill training to the test.


Thursday 14 June 2018

Walks - Saturday June 16 - Wednesday June 20

Olwyn, Olwyn, Olwyn....
I can't explain this photo in public

Join us on Saturday at Tim's at 8:00 am - a walk with friends followed by coffee - great way to start the weekend. The distance is whatever you choose. Remember to add something challenging such as speed, hills, stairs or intervals - something that will get your heart rate up and to benefit your body.

Other walks:
Sunday at the Running Room on Queen St. at 8:30 am
Wednesday at Tim's at 9:00 am - Charlotte has the confirming information.
Monday (Loblaws) and Wednesday (Occasions) at 6:30 pm. Sign in; come out.

Sending best wishes to Libby and Arlene who will be participating (and likely leading) the half marathon in Tromso, Norway in the midnight sun - they start this once in a life-time race late on Saturday night (Norway time). Such fun. Have a wonderful race and enjoy your trip. Looking forward to seeing photos.

Others in the group are also traveling to/on foreign shores - enjoy, be safe and bring back stories to share.....Lynne, Marie, Libby, Arlene, Norma, David +++ (never sure if I'm leaving folks out)

In other news, Helen has broken her arm and I just want to wish her a speedy recovery - may your arm heal quickly. I hope the pain and inconvenience are minimal....and that you are able to keep up your work commitments and your walking commitments.

I hear that interest is growing in the Halifax half - weekend of September 14 & 15. Check it out:  http://www.maritimeraceweekend.com  Why not?  Sign up and get ready for a fun weekend (?) away.

Updates: Shopper's 5 km - Barb, Lou Ann, Margy, Trish and Olwyn were proud participants in this race - looking good, ladies. Congratulations to all. And, a special thanks to Charlotte for hosting a celebratory brunch after the race - yum, yum, yum.

from Rainer: Niagara Women's Race update: "This year's Niagara Women's Half race had a 5km route. The thrill of doing the race but doing less than 21km was a good choice for quite a few participants. The weather was cool at 8am and the rain held off so ideal conditions.

Charlotte, Dawn, Lou Ann, Stacey and Barb did the 5km, I understand they liked the route. They all looked happy as they came past us.

Margy, Iona, Trish, and Cheryl finished the half marathon in good time and smiling as they crossed the finish line. Margy had her friend Heather fly in from St.John's Newfoundland to do this race with her.  An exciting day for all our ladies with Heather's husband and I on the sidelines cheering our ladies on." 

Personally, I can't picture Rainer on the sidelines but that's a story for another post.


Thanks for brunch, Charlotte

Lastly, Olwyn - hope you had a great race on Sunday - two in one weekend - races that is - that's our Olwyn.